not touch something with a barge pole

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Probably derived from the barge poles that bargemen used to fend off wharfs and other boats.

Verb

not touch (something) with a barge pole

  1. (idiomatic, Britain) To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; (signifies a strong aversion).

Usage notes

This expression is almost exclusively used in the negative.

Translations

See also

This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.